Teak Set Appeal

Heartbreak after vandals attack heritage railway carriages

In the early hours of Sunday 23rdJuly 2017, North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s historic teak carriages were deliberately vandalised. The carriages were parked in the siding, at the far side of the main visitor car park at Pickering.

After an overwhelming amount of support from members, passengers and local residents wishing to donate towards the repair of the teak carriages, we have now set up a dedicated fundraising appeal.

The beautiful varnished teak carriage set, comprised of eight carriages, dating from 1930 to 1950. These carriages have regularly appeared in films and television, recent appearances including ‘Downton Abbey’ and the remake of ‘Dad’s Army’.

Chris Price, NYMR’s General Manager said, “We were absolutely devastated to discover the extent of the damage to our precious carriages, lovingly restored and maintained by our dedicated team of volunteers over many years".

“The tireless restoration work will begin again as the entire trust commits to restoring the set to its former glory for the enjoyment of all visitors - we will not let the vandals win".

“We’ve been inundated with pledges of support from our local community and can’t thank everyone enough it means so much at this difficult time. The entire cost of the vandalism is still being assessed and while the carriages are insured, not every expense will be covered. There is a lot of work to do to safeguard, preserve and protect these carriages for the future, one plan is a new carriage shed, which will not only protect the coaches from the elements but also future events of this nature. So, all donations are gratefully received and will be used to protect these coaches.”

The teak carriages are owned by several groups and individuals and were restored by the London and North Eastern Railway Coach Association (LNERCA - a volunteer run, charitable organisation which restores heritage coaches) which are used and maintained by the NYMR.

The North York Moors Historical Railway Trust is a not for profit charitable organisation run as part of the local community. Day to day operation is carried out by volunteers with railway operations and business experience. A core team of paid staff together with approximately 100 full time staff and 50 seasonal staff, plan and operate the train service and work steadily to improve the quality of the infrastructure, the railway vehicles and experience to our visitors travelling on the railway.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway is one of the most historic lines in the North of England, taking visitors on picturesque journeys along an 18-mile railway line aboard steam and heritage diesel trains. The railway passes through stunning scenery, from wooded valleys to beautiful countryside, stopping at charming villages and spectacular seaside locations.

Only too pleased to donate to the restoration work following the unhappy circumstances in which you find yourselves. I'm a life member but am too far away to be of much practicable help.

From:Russell Maiden

Donated On:
04 August 2017

£50.00

From:John Groves

Donated On:
04 August 2017

£25.00

Absolutely disgusted at this wanton vandalism of these historic coaches, especially as their initial restoration must have been a labour of love for the craftsmen and volunteers involved; they must be gutted.. I hope that my donation, and those of many others, will ensure the coaches eventual return of the to service.